A major fee reduction has been implemented for Tappen Marina in Glenwood Landing. Boaters attended a town board meeting last December and explained to them what the effect of an increase in fees had been at the marina.

Residents said the rise in fees had resulted in under 50 percent occupancy. There were 122 boats and 142 empty slips at the end of the 1998 season.

The town had raised the fees by $10, for the first time in about six years. They had been paying $60 per foot without electricity and $65 per foot with electricity. Those rates were raised to $70 and $75. They were the same rates as boaters were paying at the Theodore Roosevelt Marina in Oyster Bay.

The boaters said the facilities were different: at the TR Marina, there is easier access to Long Island Sound.

The result is that Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the town has significantly slashed fees for the upcoming season at Tappen Marina, in some cases by as much as fifty percent.

They have now created several categories to allow smaller boats to pay less.

(Note: non-residents add $5 per foot.)

For comparison, at the TR Marina, there is only one fee schedule: boats 20' and longer pay $70 without electricity and $75 with electricity. The town does not allow boats under 20 feet to use the TR Marina.

"I am certain this will be welcome news for boaters and their budgets," said Supervisor Venditto. "Reducing the rates at Tappen Marina will make this facility even more pleasurable for boaters and their families, whether they're enjoying a day of relaxation on our pristine waterways or trying to reel in the catch of the day.

"Additionally, seniors who were born before Nov. 21, 1939, are entitled to an additional discount of 10 percent, just another way the town board is saying thanks for all their contributions through the years."

There are also weekly transient fees for Tappen. The fee for a resident-owned boat 20 feet and under is $85 a week and $150 a week for 20 feet and over. The non-resident transient fee is $105 a week for 20 feet and under and $170 a week for over 20 feet. A minimum payment is for a seven-day period and the maximum length of stay is any combination of four weeks during the boating season.

In response to residents' requests, the season at Tappen Marina is being expanded for one month said Mr. Venditto. "From Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, Nov. 21, boat lovers can enjoy a day on the water while docking at Tappen," he said.

"Since we have already cut the seasonal cost to the boater significantly, the extended season is like getting an entire month of boating at the marina free!"

The town is also resurfacing the pool at Tappen; there will be new fencing around the pool and the parking lot will be repaired and resurfaced all before the opening day. The town is still in the design phase of the parking lot work, so at this time they have no information on what material will be used for the repairs.

There are also sailfish/sunfish racks available for rental at Tappen. The seasonal fee is $175 for residents and $200 for non-residents, the same as at TR Marina.

If you are interested in obtaining a slip for rental at Tappen, contact the town's beach division at 797-4110 to receive a 1999 Summer Marina Application.

"I hope more boaters will make use of Tappen this year, as well as the many parks, pools and beaches throughout the Town of Oyster Bay. These facilities greatly contribute to the outstanding quality of life we enjoy in the town," said Mr. Venditto.